Flight through Time: On Dove Navigation, Evolution and Symbolism

For millennia, doves have played a significant role in human history, culture, and ecosystems. This paper examines the unique characteristics and symbolism of doves through the lens of Big History, which encompasses the inanimate world, life, and human society. First, it explores how doves navigate using Earth’s magnetic field, sunlight, and celestial maps. Second, it highlights dove intelligence, comparing their pallium to the mammalian neocortex, emphasizing their cognitive abilities. Finally, the paper discusses how doves have symbolized peace, fidelity, and spirituality across different cultures and religions. Through these lenses, the interconnectedness of doves with the material, biological, and cultural aspects of human history becomes clear, offering a deeper understanding of their role in shaping human civilization.